NZ National TCC Coordinator Marlies Laser has advised of a new Caution Statement issued by the ITCC regarding ascent equipment and techniques. This is particularly topical given the amount of current interest in SRT.
The Caution Statement reads as follows:
Caution Statement regarding ascent equipment and techniques:Caution: Ropes used for ascending shall be 10mm diameter or greater. Ascent techniques should limit potential fall distance to a maximum of 50cm (20inches). Ascent systems shall have the ability to dissipate energy when arresting a fall, such that the deceleration experienced by the climber is no greater than 6G e.g. a 100kg (220 lbs) climber experiences no more than 6kN. Rope, connection textiles, energy absorbers or other PPE components may be employed to dissipate energy.
10mm rope diameter is the minimum for access ropes but the energy dissipation aspect is probably more important. Treetools alluded to this in a previousblog about the use of the static 10mm footlocking line, Globe 5000.
The use of the ART Zip-Absorber may start to be more prominent with this new ITCC ruling. The Zip-Absorber is part of the ART Rope Guide and reliablyreduces impact forces to less than 6kN.
Unlike conventional shock absorbers, the Zip-Absorber was specifically designed for tree work. This means it is designed to withstand challenging workconditions without early opening.
Of course, the simplest method will be the use of a dynamic rock climbing style cord somewhere in your system.
